Why I'm Entering the Creative Circle 2018: Martin Roker

The Creative Circle is an unabashed celebration of creativity. And what better expression of creativity is there than the music video? From Chris Cunningham’s affronting Windowlicker, to Michel Gondry’s contemplative Star Guitar. A great music video stays with you. And on occasion, it can raise the track to another level completely, transcending the airwaves and permeating pop culture. 

Recently, we’ve seen some incredible videos from some very talented young directors. And whilst we cope with the rise in demand for content, juxtaposed with the increasingly dissipating budgets, year on year the quality of new music videos never fails to impress. Where there’s a problem, we as an industry can find a creative solution. 

At Black Dog we’ve seen a lot of directors rise up through the ranks. We put fostering and developing young talent at the front of everything we do, you never know where you’re going to find the next Spike Jonze or Jonas Åkerlund. So, to be a part of the Creative Circle, an organisation which contributes 10% of entry fees and 100% of membership fees to its educational foundation and supporting young creatives, is something that rings true with us. If through the Creative Circle we can celebrate the best of our work whilst providing pathways for those trying to get a foothold in the industry, then I’m in. 

I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Circle judging experience, so I’m really looking forward to checking out the best our industry has to offer. And as an aside for a Friday... here are a few of my favourite music videos from yesteryear. Enjoy.

Björk 'All is Full of Love' - Directed by Chris Cunningham

Queens of the Stone Age 'Go With The Flow' - Directed by Shynola

Daft Punk 'Around The World' - Directed by Michel Gondry

Peter Gabriel 'Sledgehammer' - Directed by Stephen R.Johnson